Friday, April 10, 2009

Prince Emanuele Filiberto Meets With Earthquake Victims

Prince Emanuele Filiberto and his wife, Princess Clothilde, visited the site of Italy’s massive earthquake Tuesday. They met with survivors and rescue workers in the town of L’Aquila, where nearly 300 were killed and thousands have been left homeless.

“In these times our thoughts turn to the families of the victims of this tragedy,” said the Prince. “What happened was terrible and the proportions of the earthquake appear to worsen with each passing hour. I am very concerned about the consequences of the many homes that have suffered severe damage and are uninhabitable.”

Despite the tragic conditions, the Prince had nothing but praise for the way Italians reacted to the disaster.

“All the Italians have proven to be united, this is a fine example of brotherhood and solidarity in these moments I am proud to be Italian. I am happy that the many friends of the House of Savoy have been enabled to bring their help enabling us to collect as much as three containers of food. Obviously proceed in total coordination with Army and Civil Protection.”

The House of Savoy was Italy’s royal family until 1946 when the country voted to abolish the monarchy. Prince Emanuele is the grandson of Italy’s last king.

Monday, the Prince had launched a campaign of solidarity between the Friends of the House of Savoy and between members of the knightly orders of the Royal House. The prince has visited two refugee camps and a field hospital and then heading to the Center of Coordination of aid in assessing how to distribute the aid offered by dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy.